Enticements for talent

Savanah Oliveira Kunz (center), from Brazil, is one of the 10 excellent overseas employees of China Communications Construction Company. [Photo by Zou Hong / China Daily]

From the perspective of opportunities, even career potential, China seems a land of promise for people of various talents, from around world.

And the country has an insatiable thirst for talent.

Yet the hassles involved in getting permanent resident status can be intimidating for a foreigner aspiring to live and work here long term.

The new guidelines on permanent residence for foreign nationals released on Friday represent a sensible move toward opening up the domestic job market, and making it truly international. They will not only be welcome news to the expat community here, but very good news to all potential newcomers. Working and living in China will become more practical and attractive.

Immigration and naturalization have not been a priority on the government agenda, historically a non-immigration country. This is why permanent residence for foreigners was not a policy subject until 2004, and why the existing regulations appear fragmented and difficult to navigate.

But like many good-looking new policies, the Friday package is a set of guidelines waiting for supporting policies. It will not be complete until detailed measures as promised are implemented to make the entire process smooth and hassle free. Given the country's acute shortage of talent in many areas and the authorities' persistent desire to attract overseas talent that can help China's ongoing development, there should not be too much trouble in doing that.

But making it easier for foreigners to become permanent residents will not suffice on its own to turn the country into a magnet for international talent. Not even handsome pay.

Whether or not this country can tap deeper into the global talent pool rests on its capability to create a talent-friendly policy environment. One that is truly conducive to fair competition, as well as innovative ideas and practices.